Richard Riehle, the familiar face who brought unforgettable humour to Office Space, died from a stroke, with throat cancer listed as the underlying cause, according to a newly reported death certificate.
TMZ reported on October 27 that the document identifies oropharyngeal cancer as the underlying condition. The actor died in Los Angeles on October 15, aged 78, and was cremated on October 23. Earlier reports had described his death as being from natural causes.
The medical details bring a sombre update to the loss of an actor whose work reached audiences through decades of film and television. Riehle accumulated more than 400 acting credits, with appearances in films including Casino, The Fugitive and Fried Green Tomatoes.
For many viewers, his defining performance remains Tom Smykowski in the 1999 comedy Office Space. His anxious employee and memorable "Jump to Conclusions" invention helped turn an office satire into an enduring showcase for the supporting actor's comic gifts.
Tributes have also emphasised the person behind those performances. In a statement reported by FOX, Wright Entertainment remembered his kindness and generosity, particularly his encouragement of emerging actors and filmmakers.
That remembrance gives his legacy a significance beyond a familiar face or a favourite scene: alongside the characters audiences remember were younger performers who benefited from his support.
